Perovskite lab at KIT

The Perovskite lab at KIT focuses on high-efficiency device concepts for perovskite-based photovoltaics.

Combining advanced thin-film deposition techniques with comprehensive characterization capabilities, the lab supports the development of tandem, semi-transparent, and scalable solar cell architectures.

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Overview

Led by Prof. Ulrich Pätzold and Prof. Ulrich Lemmer, the Perovskite Lab at KIT is equipped for cutting-edge research on perovskite and hybrid solar cells. The lab combines precision coating and laser structuring with optical and electrical evaluation, targeting novel materials and device designs. A strong focus lies in developing scalable tandem solar cell architectures, including perovskite/silicon, perovskite/CIGS, and triple-junction concepts.

Detailed Description

Purpose: The lab infrastructure enables the fabrication of complex multilayer stacks via spin coating, blade coating, slot-die, and inkjet printing on areas up to 30×40 cm. Drying processes are supported by Slot Jet, IR, and 2D systems. Electrode and transport layers are applied using various evaporation tools, including ebeam and process gas sputtering. Laser-based patterning in inert atmosphere is used for precise structuring. Characterization spans from photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy to time-resolved and in-situ optical methods, as well as white light interferometry and transient absorption. Stability testing includes MPP tracking in controlled atmospheres and outdoor operation of up to 24 cells.

Unique Features

Large-area processing up to 30 × 40 cm using spin, slot-die, blade, and inkjet coating
Multi-source evaporation systems and ebeam deposition under inert or reactive conditions
Integrated Slot Jet, IR, and 2D drying for tailored layer formation
Optical and spectroscopic toolset including Raman, PLQY, and transient absorption
Stability testing with MPP tracking in inert conditions and outdoor setups (up to 24 cells)
Laser patterning in inert atmosphere for high-precision device definition
Advanced tandem architectures: perovskite/Si, perovskite/CIGS, and perovskite/perovskite
Focus on translucent devices and upscaling strategies

Processing Capabilities

Active Layers

Spin coating, spin-bot, slot-die (up to 30×40 cm)
Blade coating, inkjet printing (up to 30×40 cm)
Two evaporation systems (5 sources and 6 sources)
Combinatorial materials/solution preparation
Drying systems: Slot Jet, IR, 2D drying system

Electrodes

Several evaporators, ebeam evaporation with process gas
Sputtering system

Transport Layers

ebeam evaporation

Patterning

Laser structuring in inert atmosphere

Lab Automation & High-Throughput Screening

Spin coating and quality assessment
Combinatorial precursor solution mixing
Photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis spectroscopy
Sample handling, dynamic light scattering (DLS)
Dispensing and storage of nanoparticle dispersions for high-throughput microfluidic ink preparation